Introduction
A funding application and assessment process that embodies a high level of integrity is critical to upholding the values of honesty, rigour, transparency and open communication within our research and innovation system.
It is the research and innovation community’s ability to think curiously, creatively, and with originality that makes the UK a world leader in research and innovation. A funding system that embodies these abilities and values sets the foundations of our thriving research and innovation system that everyone can benefit from.
Upholding integrity is a collective endeavour in which everyone has a role to play. This policy details how we and our community can use generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the application and assessment process.
Generative artificial intelligence
Generative AI is a broad label used to describe any AI that can be used to create new content such as text, images, video, audio or code. It is a fast emerging and evolving technology that can present opportunities and bring benefits in the context of research and innovation by:
- facilitating creativity and the development of ideas
- supporting neurodivergence
- reducing language barriers
Generative AI also presents potential risks for research and innovation in areas such as:
- rigour
- transparency
- originality
- reliability
- data protection
- confidentiality
- intellectual property
- copyright
- bias
Of particular note is that the confidentiality of information entered into generative AI tools is not guaranteed.
Our policy
This policy sets out UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) position on the use of generative AI in the application and assessment process for UKRI funding opportunities, and the responsibilities of individuals involved in this.
It is our duty to uphold the highest standards in research and innovation while delivering the greatest value from public funds by funding the best research and innovation. We recognise the need to strike a balance between benefitting from the opportunities that generative AI offers while managing the associated risks.
The values and expectations of those involved in the application and assessment process are in the following section:
Research integrity
All involved must uphold the values of honesty, rigour, accountability, transparency and open communication, care and respect, and confidentiality in the application and assessment process. Confidentiality includes safeguarding the ideas that applicants have entrusted to UKRI and to those involved in assessment.
Read more about UKRI’s commitment to research integrity.
Trusted research and innovation principles
All involved must uphold the confidentiality and protection of intellectual property, sensitive research, people and infrastructure, from potential theft, manipulation and exploitation, including by hostile actors.
See more about trusted research and innovation principles.
Responsibilities
Applicant responsibilities
This section sets out the responsibilities of individuals involved in the preparation of funding applications.
Applicants must apply caution when entering information into generative AI tools to develop an application. Sensitive or personal data of others must never be input into a generative AI tool without formal consent from the individual.
They should consider the risk of bias when using outputs from the generative AI tool or model and consider mitigation.
Applicants must apply caution when using outputs from generative AI tools to develop applications. In line with the UKRI policy on the governance of good research practice, you must ensure this does not contain any information that is:
- confidential and used without consent
- falsified
- fabricated
- plagiarised
- misrepresented
All applications must comply with relevant intellectual property and data protection legislation.
Applications should not cite the use of generative AI tools where these have been used to develop application content, as this information is not required.
Applicants must not use generative AI during interviews, where this forms part of the application process.
Assessor responsibilities
Our expert assessors are selected for their expertise and experience in their field. We seek their knowledge and judgement of an application in relation to the assessment criteria, and value their unique perspectives.
Assessors, including reviewers and panellists, must:
- not use generative AI tools as part of their assessment activities
- comply with relevant intellectual property and data protection legislation
- not take into account or speculate within their assessment whether generative AI has been used to develop the application
The release of confidential material into generative AI tools constitutes a breach of confidentiality and integrity as set out in our policy on the governance of good research practice and our principles of assessment and decision making policy.
Our responsibilities as a funder
Supporting the community
We will provide easily accessible guidance to applicants and organisations to ensure our expectations on the use of generative AI tools within the application and assessment process are clear.
Upholding the policy
Assessment
If an assessor informs UKRI that they have used generative AI to develop their assessment, the following action will be taken:
- for reviewers, the review they have provided will not be used
- for panellists, the comments they have provided may not be used to inform the funding decision
Research misconduct
If UKRI is informed of an allegation of research misconduct arising from the use of generative AI during application and assessment that is partially or wholly upheld, we reserve the right to:
- reject any application under consideration on which the individual is a named applicant or researcher
- prevent the individual from submitting any further funding applications to UKRI for any period of time, including indefinitely
- require further oversight of any UKRI-funded research carried out by the individual
- require the removal of the individual from the funded project
- terminate any funding which the grant-holding organisation is receiving from UKRI in connection with research being carried out by the individual
- reclaim from the grant-holding organisation any and all unspent money awarded by UKRI for projects involving that individual
- prevent the individual from being an expert reviewer or member of an advisory committee for UKRI for any period of time, including indefinitely